Braided Runner Rugs

Braided Runner Rugs

If you're looking for ways to make your country or rustic styled room feel comfortable and welcoming, a braided runner rug is a perfect choice. Braided rug runners are long narrow rugs that are constructed using a braiding or plaiting technique. They give a space a rustic, warm, country feel, with a nod to nostalgia.

About Braided Rugs

Braided rugs started showing up in American colonies in the late 1500s to early 1600s. Settlers learned braiding rug techniques from Native Americans and used those techniques to make braided rugs out of scraps of cotton, wool or burlap. The braided rug technique has been passed down for generations. Today, braided rugs are most commonly machine made but they're still as durable and attractive as handmade braided rugs.

Braided rug runners can be made out of a variety of materials. The most common are braided wool runners and braided jute runners. Braided cotton runners are also popular. These are extra durable rug materials so they can be used in many different spaces and are easy to see why they're a designer favorite. These natural fibers are also easy to clean, naturally repel dirt and are stain-resistant.

How To Style A Braided Runner

A braided runner rug works great in long narrow spaces where you want to add softness, dimension, and texture. Here are just a few places in the home that are elevated with a braided rug runner:

• Hallway. Hallways, whether short or long, tend to be a little on the sterile side, especially if the hallway has hard floors. A braided hallway runner rug can add softness, color, and pattern to a space that tends to be forgotten and is easy to add a little extra pizazz. Runner rugs can also make a narrow hallway feel wider and are great for high traffic areas as they repel dirt and are easy to keep looking like new with frequent vacuuming. A braided runner rug can also help to reduce noise and protect flooring in the hallway.
• Laundry Room. Laundry rooms don't have a lot of space for style and design, however, a braided rug runner can help a laundry room feel cozy and less like a dull, utilitarian space. Place a laundry room braided rug runner in front of the washer and dryer to give your feet a soft place to stand while you're washing, drying and folding.
• Kitchen. If you have a long narrow kitchen space (think galley style), or simply have a kitchen with a large island, dividing the space with a runner is a great idea. Runners help narrow spaces to appear wide so while you're adding style to your home, you're also making your space appear larger. Try an oval braided rug runner to soften any hard edges and surfaces in the kitchen. Want a soft place for your feet to land? Place a runner in front of the sink or between the kitchen island and the cupboards.
• Bathroom. Braided runner rugs work well when placed in front of a double sink or extra long vanity. A runner in the bathroom adds warmth, personality and softness. It also helps to absorb water which prevents slipping and protects the flooring.

Choosing Your Braided Runner

Braided runner rugs are available in a variety of colors and materials. If you're looking to give your country or rustic styled room that extra something, consider a braided runner rug!